Trip out down to Richmond

Its been a few years since we have had a drive down to Richmond so we had a spin down on Saturday morning. The weather was crap - wet, windy and cold but its winter time. We got there for 9am so still a few parking spaces in the town centre - 2hrs disc parking.
After a walk around the town centre and spending quite a few bob we had a drive up to the industrial estate to visit altberg a boot manufacturer. I have been wanting to go and have a look for a few years but never got around to it so time to kill two birds with one stone as they say. I had a look at there website before going to see what they had to offer. Once we found it there was ample free car parking outside  and was very busy inside with customers getting measured / fitted and buying boots etc. I only had to wait about 10mins and I was measured and trying on different styles, size and width of boots.
There are far too many to choose from if you are a complete novice like me but I want something with high ankle, warm, waterproof and grippy sole. We ended up with a choice of two in the end and opted for the sample model of the Military cold wet weather 'Bergen' boot. The rrp is £195 but I got a sample pair for £120 inc a free tin of treatment.
There are a couple of differences between the sample and the actual manufactured model - sole, rubber band is not so high on the toe (I like a high band for more protection) and higher lace eyelets which are now hooks - which are better / faster to lace up the boot.
You can get them resoled in the factory for £45. There was loads of discounted sample boots and boots which were not quite good enough for the general sale.
The factory also sells other manufactures shoes, socks, foot beds etc. Very knowledgeable staff and would defo recommend trying them.
As for the boots time will tell how comfy / long they will last. My woof boots have worn through the inner sole now and are not comfortable after an hour or so use.

Here is a link to my boots but are many others to choice from - HERE
Lightweight, cold, wet weather boot, with a Sympatex® waterproof, breathable lining, and a Vibram® micro – shock absorbing sole.
The Alpine design one piece leather upper is suited to more extreme conditions, and the excellent ankle support and underfoot protection are suited to rough, mountainous terrain – however, the boot is lightweight enough for use in more urban – mixed terrain – conditions.  The Bergen boot has seen operational use in Canada, Finland, and Northern Germany, and has been acknowledged as one of the best cold/wet weather boots in Europe.